TAMPA ? The University of South Florida men's basketball team opens its 2008-09 season on Tuesday, Nov. 4, with an exhibition game vs. the University of West Florida at 7 p.m. at the Sun Dome.
Tuesday's game vs. West Florida will be broadcast on GoUSFBulls.com and can also be heard on WBUL 1620 AM, USF's student radio station.
Head Coach Stan Heath and the team will be available for local interviews on Monday, Nov. 3, prior to the West Florida game, and again on Thursday, Nov. 6. Both practices will have the first 30 minutes of practice open to the media, including videographers and photographers. Interviews will be at the conclusion of Monday's practice at approximately 11 a.m. and from 3:30-4 p.m. prior to practice on Thursday.
After West Florida, the exhibition schedule wraps up with an intra-city matchup against the University of Tampa on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at Sun Dome. The regular season opens at home vs. SMU on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
The Bulls return four starters from last year's squad including All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention selection and All-Rookie team pick Jones. Jones shattered the USF freshman scoring record last season with 531 points, good for 17.1 points per game. Other starters returning include Verdejo, senior forward Mobolaji Ajayi and junior guard Chris Howard. Also joining the Bulls at the conclusion of the first semester is Georgia transfer, guard Mike Mercer. Mercer will miss the first six regular season games of the season.
Season and group tickets for USF home basketball games can be purchased by calling 1-800-GoBulls. Single-game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or via Ticketmaster phone at 813-287-8844. The complete men's basketball schedule is available at GoUSFBulls.com.
MEN'S BASKETBALL CREDENTIAL INFORMATION
Credential requests for the 2008-09 men's basketball season should be directed to Jeff Wuerth, assistant director, athletics communications, at 4202 E. Fowler Ave., ATH100, Tampa, Fla. 33620-8600 or sent via email - jwuerth@admin.usf.edu. Credentials will be mailed when time permits. Otherwise, they will be held for pickup at the media will call table located at the lower level of USF Sun Dome Entry 2 on the northeast corner of the facility.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE TIME, ET (Broadcast)
Monday, Nov. 3 ? Practice 8:30-11 a.m. (first 30 minutes open to media)
Monday, Nov. 3 ? Media Availability 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 ? vs. West Florida (exh. at Sun Dome) 7 p.m. (WBUL, GoUSFBulls.com)
Wednesday, Nov. 5 OFF
Thursday, Nov. 6 ? Practice 4-6:30 p.m. (first 30 minutes open to media)
Thursday, Nov. 6 ? Media Availability 3:30-4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 ? Practice 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8 - Practice 1-4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9 ? Practice 2-5 p.m.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change
